Connecticut western news., 1887-05-25

l WACcr.
 ''There's the doctors carriage at the door," said Conny. "Irs old Mr. Falk- ner's rheumatism again. Poor Doctor Darling! what he has to endure with Mr. Falkner's rheumatism! But it serves him right, for asking Fanny Parker to go to the picnic instead of our Lulu; and for scolding me for giving Aunt Box. wood a bread and butter poulGce, in stead of capcinc plaster for her chest. I know what I'll do-rll take @ comfort able little drive around the lake. in his carriage, and sec how he'll enjoy walk irg homel Of course, he'll think it's stolen, and be half-frightened out of his wits-and serve him right, toor'
 The thought, in Conny's mind, was father to the deed.
 Quickly and lightly she united the horse, jumped into the carriage, and chirruped to old Dick, who set off at a | dog-trot.
 The flowers which she had gathered she flung into the bottom of the carriage; :; her light, striped shawl futtercd behind, and in the faint moonlight her eyes shone like mischievous stars.
 It was lonely road-a fragrant silent highway-winding itself through the woods; but Conny feared nothing, as she drove rapidly along, singing snatches of wild ballads to- herself, until suddenly a tall, dark figure stepped forth into the road and took the horse by the head, with an authoritative.
 'Halt. thcre" a.
 Conny uttered shrick, and dropped the rcins. The stranger sprang into the carriage and seated himself beside her.
 "What does all this mean9" said he. in deep voice. ''What right have you with my carriage9"
 'Doctor Darling!" she gasped.
 ''Yes, Doctor Darlingi" sad he, stern-
 I-I thought you were in at MT. Falkner's," faltered Conny. II wanted a drive, anG-"
 "And you shall have one," said the doctor, composedly. 'T walked across to sec Mrs. Hadley at the Four Corners, and I returned, as it seems, just in time to save my horse and carriagel"
 Conny did not say word. She could not think of any excuse to make.
 ''Where arc you going" she venturcd to ask, in whisper.
 gro Judge Whelpley's. To have you committed for triall'' ~---'sssss
 ZIP gasped Conny.
 ''For horse-stealing, succinctly added Doctor Darling.
 Conny uttered shrick.
 "What will they do to mel" she stam- mered, holding desperately on to the side of the carriage. ...
 'I don't quite know whether it is hundred dollars fine or six months in the penitentiary, Doctor Darling gravely au- swered.
 Conny began to cry.
 ''But Wa, only in fun!" she sobbed. "I never meant-how should I?-to steal the horscp'
 '1t has an awkward look, neverthe- less, Miss Boxwood. But of course if you can make Judge Whepley believe all this"
 Poor Conny was thoroughly subdued at last. With piteous abjectness she sued for pardon.
 ''Please-pleasc, Doctor Darling" she urged, "forgive me! Inever could pay hundred dollars; and as for six months in the penitentiary, I'd rather take poisonp
 Just at this moment they drove out of the denso woods into the broad road, faintly lighted by the deepening silver of the young moon; and Conny, timidly glancing up into her companions face, saw an amused expression around the corners of his mouth.
 'But you don't really mean itY" said she.
 "How do you know that don't mean it2" dem anded Doctor Darling. 'I do mean it! mean that you ara my cap- tive. And that you can only ransome yourself in one way, else tho penitentiary and the fine shall be enforced to their uttermost severity"
 '1n what way2" asked bewildered Conny. ooh, Doctor Darling, I'll prom ise anything!'
 He let the reins fall limp over the dashboard. Old Dick walked slowly along at his own rate of speed, while Doctor Darling turned around to look his companion full in the face
 Dear little Go my, by trfing with me no farther! By owning yourself to be mise, heart aud5 soul! By giving yourself to me!'
 ''But Doctor Darling. you never could care for silly girl like me!'' faltercd Conny, scarcc able to b.Eevc her own senses, yet conscious of some sudden. vague brightness irritating all her soul.
 Gould I not, my pearl among maid ens2 But can and do!' said he.
 And then and there Conny and Doctor Darling became engaged.
 "Thep," said Conny, as they drew up before Aunt B Boxwood's door, "you really didn't mean it about Judge Whelplcy and the penitentiary9"
 'D.d you think I was actually in earnest2" he laughel.
 Conny was silent. She had played so many wild, practical jokes upon people that this really seemed to her only